When people think of vehicles with a heavy towing capacity, they usually think of trucks. However, for those whose family or lifestyle is better suited for an SUV, plenty of vehicles are still prepared to tug around that camper or boat.Â
In this article, we’re comparing some of the top SUVs on the market for towing.
When choosing an SUV for towing, it's essential to focus on several key features to ensure it meets your needs safely and effectively.
Without further ado, these are our top picks for SUVs for towing, arranged from least to most towing capacity.
The spacious three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers a spacious cabin and is a good option when the Wagoneer (later on this list) is just a bit too big for what you need. The Grand Cherokee comes standard with V-6 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive.
Looking for a little luxury with a lot of power? The BMW X7 offers a comfortable ride with agile handling and a choice of three powerful engines. All-wheel drive is standard. Getting a factory-installed tow hitch lets you reach the maximum towing capacity.
In the market for a premium SUV with off-road capabilities and significant towing capacity? The Land Rover Defender might be on your list. The downside is you will pay significantly for the specialized skills of this powerful vehicle. The vehicle is versatile with a number of body styles including one with an extended wheel base that is ideal for gear hauling.
The Chevrolet Suburban has long been a standard for hauling both people and cargo. Like others on this list, it has a truck-based chassis and room for up to nine people. The default engine is the V-8, with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive available. The SUV's Max Trailering package ups the towing capacity.
The GMC Yukon has a blueprint similar to that of the Chevrolet Tahoe (below) or Suburban. Like others on this list, it can come with dual V-8 engines or a diesel option. The Yukon has a number of tech features to support towing including Transparent Trailer View which removes the physical trailer from the camera view so you can see objects behind it.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a spacious, three-row SUV with seating for eight, making it a great choice for families. The vehicle’s truck-based frame and powerful engines (two V-8s or a diesel option) make it a good choice for towing. With the optional rear-wheel drive added, the Tahoe can tow almost as much as a full-size pickup truck.
The Dodge Durango is a bit less practical if you have a big family, as it only seats up to six; however, it does offer robust towing capabilities. The Durango comes standard with a stout V6 engine with an optional V8 available for maximum power and towing capacity.
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size, comfortable SUV with the structure of a truck, solid off-road potential, and a substantial towing capacity. The eight-seat vehicle comes in a number of options, with the most popular having a V6 engine and four-wheel drive. It’s a capable family vehicle that can easily tow a sizable trailer or handle an off-road trail.
The Ford Expedition XL has a towing capacity that rivals some full-size trucks. It also has a roomy interior, similar to the Suburban. The Expedition has twin-turbo V-6 engines that give a smooth ride while pulling substantial weight. All Expeditions have an independent rear suspension, and some models have additional features for off-road driving.
The Jeep Wagoneer is a three-row, full-size SUV offered in standard and extended sizing. Even the standard is quite cavernous. It gets its power from twin, turbocharged inline engines. The Wagoneer had standard rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is an optional add-on for improved off-road performance.
There are many factors to consider when you need the comfort and seating of an SUV, as well as significant towing capacity. Whatever your choice, make sure you also do your due diligence in finding the right insurance coverage to ensure that your vehicle and whatever you're towing are fully protected.Â